Did you always want to be a school principal? I graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a first-class honours degree in Chemistry.
Later, I received the Sir Robert Black Trust Scholarship to do a masters degree in Science Education at London University and an Australian postgraduate research award - the Peter Fensham Scholarship - with which I obtained my PhD in Science Education.
At that time I had to choose between teaching and conducting research. Yet, being a principal has been a most challenging, exciting and rewarding job.
What is the most demanding part of a principal's job today? In view of new educational initiatives and rapid changes . . . schools have been the battleground to take in all these factors to make things work.
I think a principal needs a clear direction and vision for the future of the school.
He or she should also have the wisdom and skills to work within practical constraints to strike a balance between reality and ideals.